Today, a delegation of St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce members departed for the annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In trip. They will spend three days meeting with legislators and different groups to talk about policy, learn about initiatives, and share their concerns at a federal level. This trip is the highlight of many Chamber member's experiences with the organization. It allows for an interactive experience with our nation's legislative process, and face-time with federal leaders and advocacy organizations. 

 

Opportunities such as this trip are just one way that your Chamber connects you with the conversations that matter around St. Cloud, the state, and the nation. Want to learn more about getting involved in the advocacy efforts of your Chamber? Reach out to Governent Affairs chair Steve Gottwalt to learn more!

Waite Park Chamber is hosted on the third Wednesday of the month which is April 17th! Join us at 11:15am, hosted by Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes at Ultimate Sports Bar & Grill.

Sauk Rapids Chamber takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month. Join us on April 25th for Sauk Rapids Chamber at 11:30am hosted by RTA, LLC at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids!

Here are a few more important dates to put on your calendar, but don't forget to check out our full events calendar for even more.

• Washington, D.C. Fly-In (4/15/2024 to 4/18/2024)
• Waite Park Chamber Meeting (4/17/2024)
• Chamber Connection: Inhale to Exhale Spa, LLC (4/19/2024)
• Sauk Rapids Chamber Meeting (4/25/2024)
• Chamber Connection: Evenson Decker Law (4/26/2024)
• 2024 Business Awards Luncheon (5/1/2024)
• Lunchtime Learning: Fortify Your Digital Defenses (5/2/2024)

With the goal of keeping you informed and up to date, these news bites feature local, regional and national news items that relate to the business community in Central Minnesota.

 

LOCAL

St. Cloud State of the City: St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis gave his State of the City Address on April 2nd. You can watch the entire address here. 

 

SCORE 5 Session Workshop: We don't need to tell you, making your dream come true takes a lot of planning and personal effort. Get the basics to making that dream a reality by attending this FREE five week series "Simple Steps to Start Your Business." Register Now

 

Spring is for road construction. Resurfacing work starts Monday, April 15th on County Road 39. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Your vote matters. Voting early in Minnesota is a simple way to make your voice heard. Take the pledge to vote early.

 

Minnesota Economic Trends: MN DEED has released its March 2024 Minnesota Economic Trends report, covering a variety of topics from college graduates to migration patterns. Check it out.

 

A changing workforce. Despite the many changes that Minnesota’s economy experienced over the past two years, its labor market has remained remarkably stable. These five charts show the state of MN's workforce today. 

 

Cybersecurity the biggest concern. The Q1 2024 Small Business Index remained steady, and small businesses shared their sentiments about disaster preparedness and recovery. View results

 - Sponsored Content - 

For 50 years Evenson Decker, P.A., has aided our Minnesota neighbors with their legal issues. We are ready to assist you in:

• Family Law, Divorce & Custody
• Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts
• Probate
• Business Law
• Real Estate
• Landlord Evictions
• Civil Litigation
• Guardianship & Consercatorship
• Family Law Mediation
• Personal Injury 

March 2024 New Members

• Credent Care
• Fuzzy Loon Designs LLC
• Granite City Food & Brewery
• Intrepid Fiber
• Stop Go Studio

The 2024 Business Award Recipients have officially been announced!

About the Awards

Each year, the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the outstanding work of area business leaders, owners, and changemakers in Central Minnesota at the Business Awards Luncheon.

Sponsorship Opportunities

You can help to honor these outstanding business owners by sponsoring the Business Awards Luncheon. Sponsorship opportunities of all kinds and investment levels are available to choose from.

CELEBRATE THE WINNERS!

The Business Awards Luncheon

Wednesday, May 1st

11:30am - 1:30pm

The Park Event Center

500 Division St., Waite Park

St. Cloud Area Leadership is a nine month program that runs from September 2024 through May 2025 with one full-day class per month and an overnight retreat in October. Apply now for your chance to take part in the 2024-2025 leadership class.

PLUS: Save $50 on registration if you apply by May 22nd!

Business After Hours is a montly open-house style event for members and their guests. There are usually some refreshments, and plenty of networking! 

Host Benefits:

1. Before: Marketing on social media, in emails to all members, and via text to 1,100+ members.
2. During: Educate attendees on your business, hand out info or trinkets, and donate door prizes.
3. After: Get attendees' business cards.

We currently have openings for July and October of 2024, but spots are filling up fast! 

Interested in hosting? Contact Laura for more information.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com